How to Use a Sandisk Micro SD

Kurt SchanamanUpdated February 21, 2017

The Sandisk Micro SD is a small storage card used in many cellular telephones, digital cameras and portable media players. Offered in a variety of storage capabilities, these small cards are capable of storing up to 500 digital audio files (depending upon compression technique used), up to 1,500 digital photos or more (depends on photo quality setting on the camera) and many video files. Although mostly "plug and play" the Sandisk Micro SD card does require some care when being used.

Turn off the device in which the Sandisk Micro SD card will be inserted and turn the device off completely before removing the card from the slot. Some devices may cause data loss or corruption of the data on the card if it's inserted or removed while the device is turned on or otherwise operational.

Handle the Sandisk Micro SD card only by the edges of the card while preventing skin contact with the small metal connection pads on the end. Skin oils can cause a film to build up on the connection pads, which may interfere with the connection when installed in a device. Static electricity discharge on these metal connection pads can cause permanent damage to the data on the card or to the card itself.

Insert the Sandisk Micro SD card slowly into a card reader attached to a computer if attempting to transfer the data onto a PC or a laptop system. Most readers are oriented so that the metallic connection pads of the Micro SD card must be face down when inserted into the reader's Micro SD slot. If the card reader unit doesn't have a Micro SD slot but does have a regular SD slot, use a Micro SD to SD converter sleeve by inserting the Micro SD card into the slot end of the converter, metal pads facing down. Slide the card straight into the converter sleeve slot until fully inserted. If the card doesn't want to insert fully, don't apply force. Remove the card and turn it upside down and try to insert the card again. The card should slide in easily with no force necessary. Once inserted, slide the SD converter into the card reader and transfer the files desired.

Wait for data transfer from the card to a computer to complete before removing the card from the reader slot. Removal of a data card of any type from a device that is reading or writing data to or from the card may cause damage to the data and to the card itself.

Warning

Sandisk has begun including technology into the Sandisk Micro SD cards that helps in preventing serious damage from electrostatic discharge if the metal contacts are accidentally touched. However, stay on the safe side in caring for your Sandisk Micro SD card. Don't deliberately touch the metal contacts if possible and keep the device away from liquids. Don't stack anything on top of the card and refrain from bending or flexing it. The cards can still be severely damaged if mistreated deliberately.